Beauty and the Bead explored the history and tradition of beadcraft amongst Northeastern and Woodlands First Nations Communities. This talk took place on November 21, 2012.
Naomi Smith is a First Nations artist and educator from Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario. Smith teaches traditional beadwork, leather craft, moose hair embroidery, quill work, and jewelry for over 15 years. Currently, Smith is the director of marketing and creative services at Thunderbird Trading, Oakville.
The Centre for Social Innovation began in 2003 when a small group of entrepreneurs came together to create a communal working space for social innovation. For more information, see Centre for Social Innovation.
Use it in the classroom
- Historical Thinking Concepts & Critical Thinking Challenges
- Concepts de la pensée historique et défis de pensée critique
- Master beading artist Briony Goddard demonstrates Métis beading techniques (there are many other YouTube how-to videos on the subject)
- The Eastern Woodland Hunters
- National Gallery’s virtual exhibition on Woodlands art
Museums and cultural programs
- The Bata Shoe Museum’s Beauty, Identity, Pride exhibition (Toronto)
- Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto’s beading classes
- Education extension programs at Woodlands Cultural Centre (Brantford)
Suggested bibliography
- Beadwork: First Peoples’ Beading History and Techniques, Christi Belcourt (Ontario: Ningwakwe Learning Press) (this book is aimed at a younger audience, but provides excellent instruction and cultural context)
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